Concept Architect - Computational Design

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 156,240 - 245,520; Full time

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd in Dubai is seeking a Concept Architect - Computational Design to shape early design directions using computational tools. You will balance aesthetics, performance, and client objectives across multidisciplinary teams.

You will apply parametric workflows, environmental analysis, and algorithmic strategies to generate and evaluate options, coordinating with engineering and specialists to maintain architectural intent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Design, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in architectural design, concept development, or a comparable creative design role.
• Strong proficiency in Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear architectural concepts from complex briefs.
• Practical experience with parametric modeling, computational design, or algorithmic workflows.
• Ability to generate and evaluate several design options using structured decision‑making.
• Familiarity with environmental analysis and performance‑driven design methods.
• Strong architectural visualization, diagramming, and presentation capability.
• Understanding of spatial planning, massing, form development, and design composition.
• Ability to communicate ideas confidently through drawings, models, narratives, and presentations.
• Experience coordinating architectural concepts with engineering and specialist disciplines.
• Strong analytical ability combined with creative and strategic thinking.
• Interest in artificial intelligence, procedural design, and emerging digital technologies.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and provide constructive design feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to model and presentation quality.
• Ability to manage several design tasks within demanding project schedules.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international design environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop original architectural concepts, strategic design frameworks, and project narratives.
• Translate client requirements, site conditions, planning constraints, and organizational goals into clear design directions.
• Lead concept exploration and design optioneering workshops with project teams and stakeholders.
• Generate and assess multiple design alternatives before recommending preferred solutions.
• Use Rhino and Grasshopper to create parametric models and computational design studies.
• Develop algorithmic workflows that improve option generation, analysis, and design efficiency.
• Build and coordinate architectural models in Revit during concept and design development stages.
• Conduct environmental and performance‑led analysis to test daylight, solar exposure, massing, orientation, and spatial efficiency.
• Apply analytical findings to improve architectural performance without weakening the overall design vision.
• Produce diagrams, plans, models, visualizations, and presentation materials that explain complex concepts clearly.
• Create persuasive design narratives for client presentations, internal reviews, competitions, and stakeholder workshops.
• Direct the visual quality and consistency of concept presentation packages.
• Collaborate with structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, landscape, planning, sustainability, and specialist teams.
• Resolve multidisciplinary design constraints while preserving architectural quality and project intent.

Skills

Architectural concept development

Computational design

Parametric modeling

Rhino

Grasshopper

Revit

Design optioneering

Algorithmic workflows

AI-enabled design

Design automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Grasshopper

Revit

Job description

Concept Architect - Computational Design

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Architecture and Planning | Function: Architect | Experience: Minimum 2 years | Job Type: Full-time

Salary: 14,000-22,000 (estimated range based on similar positions in the region)

Gender: Any | Candidate Nationality: Any

Overview

Concept Architect - Computational Design is responsible for shaping the early design direction of architectural projects by developing ideas that balance visual identity, functionality, environmental performance, constructability, and client objectives. The role combines architectural judgment with computational design techniques to explore alternatives, test performance, and communicate compelling solutions across multidisciplinarity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop original architectural concepts, strategic design frameworks, and project narratives.
• Translate client requirements, site conditions, planning constraints, and organizational goals into clear design directions.
• Lead concept exploration and design optioneering workshops with project teams and stakeholders.
• Generate and assess multiple design alternatives before recommending preferred solutions.
• Use Rhino and Grasshopper to create parametric models and computational design studies.
• Develop algorithmic workflows that improve option generation, analysis, and design efficiency.
• Build and coordinate architectural models in Revit during concept and design development stages.
• Conduct environmental and performance‑led analysis to test daylight, solar exposure, massing, orientation, and spatial efficiency.
• Apply analytical findings to improve architectural performance without weakening the overall design vision.
• Produce diagrams, plans, models, visualizations, and presentation materials that explain complex concepts clearly.
• Create persuasive design narratives for client presentations, internal reviews, competitions, and stakeholder workshops.
• Direct the visual quality and consistency of concept presentation packages.
• Collaborate with structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, landscape, planning, sustainability, and specialist teams.
• Resolve multidisciplinary design constraints while preserving architectural quality and project intent.
• Review design proposals and provide constructive technical and creative feedback.
• Identify potential design risks and recommend practical options before they affect later project stages.
• Develop reusable scripts, templates, automation tools, and procedural design systems.
• Explore appropriate applications of artificial intelligence in concept generation, analysis, visualization, and workflow enhancement.
• Maintain organized design files, model versions, visual assets, and supporting technical information.
• Mentor junior architects and support the development of computational design capability.
• Provide guidance on design thinking, parametric processes, model organization, and presentation standards.
• Monitor emerging architectural technologies, software developments, and computational design practices.
• Contribute to internal innovation initiatives and knowledge‑sharing sessions.
• Ensure conceptual solutions remain aligned with relevant planning, regulatory, accessibility, and technical requirements.
• Attend in‑person Day1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Design, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in architectural design, concept development, or a comparable creative design role.
• Strong proficiency in Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear architectural concepts from complex briefs.
• Practical experience with parametric modeling, computational design, or algorithmic workflows.
• Ability to generate and evaluate several design options using structured decision‑making.
• Familiarity with environmental analysis and performance‑driven design methods.
• Strong architectural visualization, diagramming, and presentation capability.
• Understanding of spatial planning, massing, form development, and design composition.
• Ability to communicate ideas confidently through drawings, models, narratives, and presentations.
• Experience coordinating architectural concepts with engineering and specialist disciplines.
• Strong analytical ability combined with creative and strategic thinking.
• Interest in artificial intelligence, procedural design, and emerging digital technologies.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and provide constructive design feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to model and presentation quality.
• Ability to manage several design tasks within demanding project schedules.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international design environment.

Skills Set

• Architectural concept development
• Computational design
• Parametric modeling
• Rhino
• Grasshopper
• Revit
• Design optioneering
• Algorithmic workflows
• Procedural design
• Design automation
• Environmental analysis
• Performance‑driven design
• Architectural visualization
• Design narratives
• Massing studies
• Spatial planning
• Multidiscipline coordination
• Design workshops
• Concept presentations
• Model development
• Design review
• Technical problem‑solving
• AI‑enabled design
• Digital innovation
• Junior architect mentoring
• Presentation development
• Stakeholder communication
• Architectural diagrams
• Design quality control

Why Join Us

This opportunity places a concept‑focused architect within a multidisciplinary design environment where digital innovation and strategic thinking influence significant projects. The role offers direct involvement in early‑stage decisions, allowing the successful candidate to shape project identity, environmental response, spatial quality, and technical direction. Growing adoption of computational design, automation, parametric workflows, and artificial intelligence is increasing demand for architects who combine creative judgment with advanced digital capability. The position offers a strong pathway toward senior concept design, computational design leadership, digital design management, or broader architectural leadership responsibilities.

Eligible employees may receive benefits according to employment status and company policy, including medical coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, paid leave, professional development, wellbeing resources, employee assistance services, business travel insurance, recognition programmes, retirement savings support, and other employment benefits.

About the Company

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering architecture, planning, engineering, design, programme management, and construction management services. Its multidisciplinary teams combine creative design, technical expertise, digital innovation, and sustainable thinking to develop buildings, infrastructure, and urban environments that respond to changing community and client needs.